The team Roy Hodgson has chosen to face Moldova on Friday in the World Cup 2014 qualifying campaign has been blighted by injury.
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Injuries to key first team players led to Hodgson naming a squad that had many debutants and young players in, but now more injuries to the senior players has meant that Hodgson may have to rethink his strategy and just focus on winning the game, instead of giving England football kit experience to younger players.
Hodgson seems to be taking a leaf out of the Spanish team’s book, who have many younger players amongst their ranks. It can’t be too bad a strategy though as the Spanish have won football trophies in their last two international competitions.
Hodgson has had to deal with an ankle injury to Ashley Cole, who was a member of the senior team named in the squad, as well as a hamstring injury that has caused Andy Carroll to withdraw from the squad. This is a blow to England as Carroll played an essential role in his debut for West Ham in their 3-0 victory over Fulham at the weekend, possibly showing a return to form that could have been invaluable to England’s hopes of qualification.
Cole has not been ruled out of England’s second game on Tuesday against Ukraine, which could prove crucial depending on the result against Moldova. John Terry was touch and go for a while as to whether he would be able to play in the qualifiers at all due to a neck injury, but he has been on the training pitch and heading a few footballs and doesn’t seem to have any side effects.
England fans will be hoping that it stays that way and he doesn’t get ruled out of any of the games. As a crucial part of the senior representation which is dwindling daily.
